Kyrgyzstan has the lowest tariff for irrigation water supply in Central Asia. This was stated by Ulan Chortombayev, Director of the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Irrigation under the Water Resources Service, during a roundtable discussion on "Climate Change and Water Use Issues in Central Asia," reports 24.kg.
According to him, the cost of irrigation water supply per cubic meter, converted to Kyrgyz soms, is approximately 13 soms in Kazakhstan, 18 soms in Tajikistan, 70 tyiyns in Uzbekistan, and only 3 tyiyns in Kyrgyzstan. The tariff in Kyrgyzstan was established back in 1994 and has remained unchanged ever since.
"Our task is to raise awareness so that the people of Central Asia understand that water is essential. If we want high-margin crop yields, we must also be willing to pay accordingly," said Chortombayev.
"For example, Turkey buys water resources from Bulgaria, and the issue between the U.S. and Canada has also been resolved. Why can't we, as a Central Asian region, do the same? We can— we just need to sit at the negotiating table and decide. After all, nothing can be done without water," he added.
Chortombayev also emphasized that hydroposts and other hydraulic structures need improvement and modernization, which requires not only financial resources but also qualified specialists in hydrotechnology.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 18, 2025